Historically part of Lancashire, it is one of Barrow's most northerly wards and is bordered by Roose, Newbarns, Parkside, Ormsgill and the town of Dalton-in-Furness to the north.

Hawcoat lies on small hill on the southwest of the Furness Peninsula, rising up from Walney Channel to its west and peaking at 84m.

From its peak there are quite extensive views incorporating the Isle of Man, Snowdonia, Blackpool, across Morecambe Bay Ingleborough, the Howgills, and the fells of the Lake District.

Bus service route 1 serves most of Hawcoat, connecting the district to Barrow station, the town centre and Walney Island.

Prior to the growth of Barrow, Hawcoat village was the largest on the peninsula to the west of the town of Dalton-in-Furness, and gave its name to one of the four quarters or 'bierleys' of the parish of Dalton.

[8] Hawcoat is Barrow's least deprived ward, with higher than average house prices and two areas where properties regularly sell for close to half a million GBP - The Crescent and The Gardens.

[10] Holker Old Boys F.C., which competes in the North West Counties Football League, is based in Hawcoat at Rakesmoor Lane.